Luton sign defender McGuinness and midfielder Walsh

Mark McGuinness in a former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international

Luton Town have signed centre-half Mark McGuinness from Cardiff City for an undisclosed fee and former Swansea City midfielder Liam Walsh on a free transfer.

McGuinness, 23, who the Hatters say has moved for a "significant" sum, scored six goals in 86 appearances for the Bluebirds after joining the Welsh side from Arsenal in the summer of 2021.

The deal reportedly could eventually be worth £10m and was described earlier on Tuesday as "good business" for Cardiff by former Wales striker Iwan Roberts.

Walsh, 26, joins as a free agent after leaving Swansea earlier in the summer and has spent three weeks training at Kenilworth Road.

He began his career at Everton and also had a spell at Bristol City from 2018 to 2021 before moving to south Wales.

"Liam’s a super talented footballer, with a great football brain and technically very good. I saw him when he was 16 playing for Everton and thought then he’d go on to a be a real superstar," said Luton manager Rob Edwards.

“He’s not one who is going to come in and play 90 minutes straight away but he can certainly come on to the pitch, help us get control of the ball when we need it or find that killer pass."

Walsh helped Coventry City win the League One title during a loan spell in the 2019-20 season and has also spent time at Yeovil Town, Birmingham City and Hull City during his career.

Liam Walsh played 20 games for Swansea last season, scoring twice

McGuinness came through Arsenal's youth ranks but never made a senior appearance for the Premier League club.

He gained his first senior experience out on loan at Ipswich Town before going on to join Cardiff.

"He’s a big, big player for us – and a signing which shows our intent," Edwards said.

"He might be only 23 but he’s a leader. We see him as a big influence in the dressing room and on the pitch."

McGuinness and Walsh join a Luton side which has earned one point from their first two Championship games of the season. The Hatters play Preston North End on Saturday.

Details about the length of both contracts have not been disclosed.